Experience Points
On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the Game State? Determining the “game state” is often one of the questions that designers and developers will ask themselves when determining how to take a design or iterate on the development of a game. The game’s state is important to understand from a design perspective. But what role does understanding the “game state” play for educators, instructors, and trainers using games-based learning?
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Player Engagement? Games require that players interact with them. They require individuals to contribute; to change; and to augment the game according to their own will and agency. This encompasses player engagement and how they come to interact with games as well as what keeps them coming back to play.
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “Who are Casual Players?” Casual players are often one of the most sought-after demographics for many in the games industry. They are players that often represent various backgrounds and have a vast array of experiences with games. But who exactly are casual players and what exactly defines them?
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Scaffolding?” Many people can just jump right into games. They take one look at it and they already “get it” and know how to play. Whereas other people need a little bit of help. Sometimes this comes in the form of instruction; teaching; or learning from other players.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Game Balance?” Many gamers often don’t think about “balance” when playing a game. But they should. That’s because balance creates and shapes what should be a positive player experience. But what exactly is “game balance?” How is it created and designed in games; games-based learning; and gamification?
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer how to Debrief Games-Based Learning. Using games for teaching and learning is the basis for games-based learning. But, educators and instructors don’t just play games with students or ask their students to play games. Instead, games serve as a critical and fundamental part of the curriculum for helping learners grow. That’s accomplished by making sure that a proper debriefing has occurred after game play.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Kingmaking?” Sometimes you’ll play a competitive game where you realize that you can’t win anymore. It’s kind of depressing to think about. However, there are things that you can do and actions that you can take that will help someone else win. This scenario is called “kingmaking.”
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What are Megagames?” Most people have played games at some point in their lives. They can be table top games, card games, board games, playground games, video games, console games, or computer games. Most people have likely played hard games, easy games, social games, or abstract games. Mostly we’ve played fun games. But we’ve probably also played lousy games.
Read MoreWe may play games for various reasons. One of the reasons why we play games is to escape. We escape to a faraway place that is different and distinct from the place that we call reality. That type of escape is into the “magic circle” of games. The magic circle is a place where different rules that govern our existence, actions, and consequences apply
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll cover The Player Experience. The player experience is something that we all shoot for in game design. That’s because the player experience is what the player goes through when they play the game.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll cover the gamer grind. One of the most characteristic things about today’s crop digital games is the grind. The grind, grindyness, or grinding aspect of some games is an aspect that most gamers have experienced at one time or another. But what does that mean? How do players experience it? How can designers and educators of games-based learning address the grind in our designs?
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